NEWS RELEASES
NPS Guidelines For Government Shutdown Say Parks Will Remain Open
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through The National Parks Traveler's website.
With another possible government shutdown on the horizon, many Americans are wondering if they will be able to visit the national parks during the upcoming holidays. In fact, National Parks Traveler reports that the National Park Service (NPS) has a policy in place for such a contingency which allows visitors to enter the parks but does not guarantee any services. The plan, adopted last January during a previous shutdown, requires NPS employees to be furloughed, except for key personnel, such as law enforcement rangers and those needed to keep the power on to buildings. Concessions will continue to operate, and visitors will be free to enter the parks but have no services.
In the event of a shutdown, the NPS plan states, "Parks must notify visitors that the NPS will cease providing visitor services, including restrooms, trash collection, facilities and roads maintenance (including plowing), campground reservation and check-in/check-out services, backcountry and other permits, and public information." In additions, park websites and social media channels will not be maintained.
For more on the possible effects of a shutdown, read the full story in National Parks Traveler.
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